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Council of Governors

What is it?

  • The Council of Governors, collectively, is the body that binds CHFT to patients, service users, staff and stakeholders
  • Governors do not manage the operations of the trust – they challenge the board of directors and hold the Non-executive directors to account for the performance of the board
  • Governors also represent the interests of NHS foundation trust members and the public and provide them with information on the trust’s performance and forward plan
  • We have 30 governors on our Council of Governors: 17 are publicly elected; 6 are staff elected and 7 are appointed from our partner organisations such as the University of Huddersfield and our local Councils.  Meet all our governors here

Can I be a governor?

  • Yes!  You just need to be a member of the Trust (click here to go to the application form) and over the age of 16 
  • We hold elections for governors every year in areas where we have vacancies – there would need to be a vacancy where you live for you to be able to stand

To see who can't be a governor visit our 'Exclusions' page 

What’s in it for me?

  • You’d hear about our latest developments and plans first-hand from senior managers at the Trust
  • You'd get regular updates on the Trust's performance
  • You’d have a say in appointments to the most senior roles at the Trust, eg the Chair, the Chief Executive and the Non-Executive Directors
  • You'd be invited to observe decision making committee meetings
  • You’d be the link between members in your constituency/staff group and the Board
  • You’d be able to vote on significant decisions being made by the Trust

What would I have to do?

  • Attend at least two Council of Governors meetings and the Annual Members' Meeting (AGM) in a 12-month period
  • Take part in engagement activities with members and members of the public to share information and get feedback (all these activities are coordinated by and supported by staff from the Trust)
  • Sign up to our Governors' Charter
  • Act as an ambassador for the Trust
  • Serve for a three year term initially

How do I become a governor?

  • Every spring we start our elections process and we publicise details here on our website about the vacancies we have and how members can nominate themselves to stand for election
  • Our next elections will be held in early 2025

I need more information – what should I do?